The Best Things to do in the Maritimes in 2018

Looking for the best places to visit in the Maritimes in 2018? Here are a few events that we’re looking forward to in the coming year.

2017 has been a great year on the east coast of Canada. From music festivals to classic kitchen parties, there were so many fun things to do in the Maritimes over the last year, and 2018 is shaping up to be just as fantastic. Whether you’re planning a trip to the region in the next year, or you’re a local who has made a resolution to get out and enjoy more of Atlantic Canada, we think you’ll love this collection we’ve put together of the best things to do in the Maritimes in 2018. Ready? Let’s start planning!

Chop Chop Winter (Feb 20 – 26 2018, Saint John, NB)

This February, the fantastic restaurants located in Uptown Saint John invite guests from near and far to experience the delicious local food being prepared by the city’s incredibly talented chefs at the Chop Chop Winter festival. Whether you’re joining us for special lunches and dinners, or you’re a foodie looking for your new favourite meal, you’re invited to come out and try an extra special chop chop plate. With unique meals for every taste and budget, Chop Chop is a can’t-miss thing to do in the Maritimes this winter.

Skate the Emera Oval (Winter, Halifax, NS)

One of the absolute best places to visit in the Maritimes in any year is the Emera Oval on the Halifax Commons. The Oval is a tremendous spot to ice skate with your friends and family and grab a warm drink on a chilly afternoon. Best of all, if you don’t have your skates with you, you can rent a pair—free of charge—and hit the ice for an energetic skate in the fresh winter air.

Roots to Boots Festival (June 14-17, 2018, Cabot Trail, Cape Breton)

As the weather starts to warm up along the Cabot Trail, it’s the perfect time to visit Cape Breton Island for the Roots to Boots Festival. Roots and Boots is a unique cultural event that takes full advantage of everything communities along the Cabot Trail have to offer, including storytelling, singing, hiking, delicious meals, and late night kitchen parties like you’ll only find on Cape Breton Island.

Now remarkably entering its 54th season, Anne of Green Gables is a Canadian classic that is a must-see for anyone visiting Prince Edward Island in the summer. Telling the iconic story of Anne Shirley, the imaginative girl with unmistakable red hair, Anne of Green Gables will have you smiling, laughing, and cheering for this loveable orphan as she searches for belonging.

On July 14th, more than 20 of the best lumberjacks and lumberjills—including competitors from the Maritimes, Quebec, and the United States—will arrive in St. Stephen to compete in the Annual International Lumberjack Competition. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to watch competitors test their strength, skills, endurance, and more, all on the path toward crowning the ultimate lumberjack and lumberjane of 2018.

A beautiful celebration of Acadian culture and heritage, the Festival Acadien de Clare welcomes thousands of guests from all over the world. Taking place 40 minutes from The CAT, you’ll find concerts, food, and activities for people of all ages at the Festival Acadien de Clare. As the oldest Acadian festival in the world, this event will undoubtedly be one of the best places to visit in the Maritimes in 2018.

Bike the Confederation Trail (Spring, Summer, Fall, PEI)

Biking across a province is an incredible thing to cross off your bucket list, and it’s easy to do in Prince Edward Island—just follow the Confederation Trail! A route formerly used by PEI’s railway, the Confederation Trail is a shared use walking and cycling trail that runs from one tip of the island to the other. Casually cycling along the trail will take you through picturesque villages, highlight stunning ocean views, and give you a new way to experience Prince Edward Island. Best of all, the trail leads right to the mv Holiday Island and mv Confederation, making it easy to include the ferries in your adventure!

If you prefer your cycling to be a little more competitive, join us on the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores for the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie. As the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada, the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is a fun and fast-paced challenge for cyclists of all skill levels. Whether you’re gearing up for the 160 km Super Gran race or the shorter, family-friendly Piccolo ride, you’ll find beautiful views and charming Acadian hospitality along every kilometre of your route.

These events only represent a small sampling of the exciting things to do in the Maritimes in 2018. To learn more about what’s happening in our beautiful region throughout the year, be sure to visit Explore the Maritimes. And remember, it’s never too soon to book your passage on one of our ferries as part of your journey to the best places to visit in the Maritimes!

Plan Your Adventure

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